Adobe Gallery Blog
Zuni Pueblo Multi-Stone Rainbow Man Pin - C3837H
The Zuni Rainbow Man is among the most popular jewelry item for collectors. Representation of specific native religious imagery such as this was frowned upon among most pueblos, but some ceremonially significant figures were conventionalized and used for decorative purposes, probably knowingly so, because of non-Indian interest. Some of these figures had their appearances deliberately altered to avoid offending traditionalists' spiritual sensitivities.
This Rainbow Man pin dates to the 1930s. It consists of blue and green turquoise, jet, mother of pearl, and spiny oyster shell set in stone-to-stone fashion in finely serrated bezels. Such fine bezel work is the work of an exceptionally talented jeweler. Exquisitely detailed silver rope and dots were executed for the feathers at the figure's back.